Leicester University to head China-funded medical project

Britain's University of Leicester is leading a five-year medical research project funded by the Chinese government to investigate serious complications during pregnancy and look at the treatment of related conditions, such as pre-eclampsia and diabetes.

The project, which will be based at the Chongqing Pregnancy Center at Chongqing Medical University, will also study growth restrictions, in which the fetus fails to thrive within the womb, and other conditions that can have major long-term implications in adult life.

China-UK university research collaborations have surged since 2014, when the two governments launched the 200 million pounds ($244.5 million) Newton Fund to support bilateral science collaboration.

UK researchers are particularly keen to work with China in the medical sector because of its large medical market that ensures research results will quickly be commercialized.

Sir Keith Burnett, vice-chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said the UK has a proud tradition of pioneering medical research and described the opportunity to work with Chinese researchers as "wonderful".

The University of Sheffield is currently working with Tongji University in Shanghai to develop treatments for degenerative neurological diseases. The research focuses on stem cell technologies used in the treatment of motor neurone disease.

Kara Hanson, professor of Health System Economics at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said China-UK collaborations with a focus on treatment have great significance because lessons learned in China may be relevant in other low- and middle-income economies.

Chris Rudd, Provost of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, said it is strategically important for UK to nurture more research links with China, with benefits including access to talent, well-resourced laboratories, and ambitious projects.

Rudd said the UK's decision to leave the European Union will mean there are fewer partnerships with EU countries and more opportunities to work with China.

Philip Baker, dean of medicine and pro-vice-chancellor at the University of Leicester, will lead the collaboration.

"China is a leader in cellular research but less good at clinical research, so what we want to do is make sure this aspect develops," he said.